Google is helping MIT update its programming language for kids

MIT is teaming up with Google to create the next generation of its popular visual programming language "Scratch." The partners are working on an open source version of the language called "Scratch Blocks" based on Blockly, Google's own visual programming code. It will teach kids how to code by using blocks that snap together either horizontally or vertically like Lego. Scratch for older kids only used vertical blocks on the past, but MIT found that horizontal orientation suits mobile devices much better. The partners released a developer preview of the horizontal version at Google I/O this year.

Since this new project is open source, the partners plan to make Scratch Blocks available to other developers, who can use it to make their own apps, games and toys for kids. MIT itself is also creating Scratch 3.0 based on the Blocks it develops with Google, making the newest iteration more suitable for mobile devices.

For all the latest news and updates from Google I/O 2016, follow along here.